How to Decorate a Window as a Headboard

When decorating a bedroom, the headboard can become the focal point of the room. Especially when working with a tight budget, look toward items that can be re-cycled or can be picked up at little or no cost, and then add your own special touches to make it unique. A discarded window can make a beautiful headboard, and during spring or fall clean-up days, one of your neighbors might place old windows at the curb so you can get your windows for free.

Things You'll Need

• Window sashes (two) with dividers (mullions)
• Sandpaper
• Primer and paint
• Paint brushes
• Glass cleaner
• Alcohol
• Mirror tiles
• Glass cutter
• Shells
• Miniature light houses and boats
• Glue
• Picture frame hangers
• Stencils
• Glass paints
• Silk or dried flowers
• Garland
• Post cards and mementos

Instructions

1. Sand the window frames to remove all loose or flaking paint. For a rustic look, the frame can be left as it is. To achieve a smooth finish, sand off all paint. Prime and paint the frame in colors that will complement the bedroom walls. Allow to dry. Clean the glass with window cleaner and then rub down with alcohol.

2. Cut self-adhesive mirrored tiles with a glass cutter to fit between each of the wooden sections of the window sash. Press the sections of mirror tile to the cleaned glass. Attach sea shells, miniature light houses and sailboats to the mirror tile with glue. Attach picture frame brackets to the back of the windows at the top. Hang on the wall above the bed, side by side.

3. Follow the instructions in step 1. Use stencils to paint scenes on each individual section of glass. Attach the picture hangers and install on the wall.

4. Use the instructions in step 1 to prepare the window. Glue silk or dried flowers to the sections of the window, either in a random design or to form an arrangement similar to the way flowers would be arranged in a vase. Drape a silk leaf garland along the top of each section of the window, allowing it to hang down each side. Install the window sashes on the wall with the picture hangers.

5. Prepare the window and attach post cards or other mementos to the sections of glass to bring back pleasant memories of trips and vacations you have taken.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative in thinking of ways to decorate your headboard made from an old glass window.

• If the window sashes being are heavy, use several hangers on each one. Screw-in eyes can be used in place of picture hangers.

References

• Additional headboard ideas